A GOLF centre has unveiled plans to more than double in size.

Parley Golf Centre says the scheme – with an initial investment of £250,000 – will make it the region’s best practice facility.

It says the driving range will be extended and floodlit chipping and putting greens will be added.

The nine-hole course will be rebuilt, allowing for a round of 18 with a total distance of 5,111 yards.

Indoors, there will be further putting facilities as well as other innovations to accompany the cafe-bar.

There will be a private room with three driving bays that will include seating and will be available for hire and for business meetings.

Hugh Dampney and son Daryl say they were inspired by visiting the US and seeing specialist practice golf centres.

Previously, the intention had been to build a full 18-hole course, but they aim to make the course a top practice facility instead.

Members of other clubs already practise there and the centre has developed a strong women’s and youth contingent and has a number of professional coaches.

Daryl Dampney said: “Our aim is to create a centre of excellence for golfers of any standard.

“These types of facility are quite common in the US, but less so here, and we decided our future lay in this direction.

“We will ultimately have an extended driving range including a bay that replicates a bunker, and an indoor putting green.

“Being able to practise driving, bunker shots and putting in the dry will attract golfers even during wet weather.

“Another part of the scheme is separating several bays in a room and making them available for business meetings or small, social events. There will be seating and catering available.

“The project will mean that our footprint will more than double and the process will include drainage work and a new course.”

Head greenkeeper Ian Nobel will oversee the alterations and additions.

He said: “It is a huge challenge but one I am relishing. We aim to complete the changes without interrupting the day-to-day running of the centre.

“Most of the work will be on reclaimed farm land.”

The new course has been designed by Evolve Golf Course Design.